Upwards, Forwards and Outwards

The summer term ended with our traditional Speech Day; a time to celebrate our pupils’ achievements from the past year. The day started with a number of our talented Music and Drama students performing a selection of pieces in The Whitty Theatre.

The ceremony followed, with an address from Mr Ian Vallance, Deputy Head Academic and the formal prize giving.

Guest speaker, Mr James Shone is an inspirational man who delivered a very powerful message. He is passionate about giving pupils the confidence to succeed and build up their self-belief. Mr Shone had his life shattered by a medical condition that left him blind, just as he had been appointed to be a Headmaster of a prep school. He is a man with a determination to turn setbacks into springboards and feels that too many young people leave school with a developed sense of ‘I can’t’ and ‘I am no good’. He says that everyone must look upwards, forwards and outwards.

Head Girl, Claudia also delivered an eloquent speech and her professionalism and confidence certainly gave the younger pupils in the school something to aspire to – an excellent role model!

The celebrations drew to a close with a beautiful rendition of Our Father, sung by the GCSE Music Group, before guests gathered on the back lawn for a sumptuous barbeque prepared by our fabulous catering team.